LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program received a major boost for the 2025-26 season with the announcement that guard Denzel Aberdeen has committed to the team. Head coach Mark Pope revealed the exciting news on Tuesday, as Aberdeen joins the Wildcats after a standout career at Florida.
“Denzel is a winner, in every sense of the word,” Coach Pope stated. “He has won at every level of basketball, and that’s all he talks about. Zel is a great young man who works for everything he earns. He’s a three-level scorer and a rangy defender who has tremendous length.”
Aberdeen, a 6-foot-5 guard from Orlando, has been a key contributor for Florida over the past three seasons, including a vital role on the 2025 National Championship-winning team. As a junior, he averaged 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting an efficient 41.8% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc.
In his final season with the Gators, Aberdeen played in all 39 games, making five starts, and showcased his scoring ability, particularly from the three-point line. He averaged 14.4 points per game in his starts and made impressive performances, including a career-high 22 points against South Carolina and 20 points in a critical win over Mississippi State. During Florida’s NCAA Tournament run, he averaged 6.0 points per game and helped lead the Gators to a dramatic victory over Maryland.
Aberdeen’s high school career at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando was equally impressive, highlighted by leading the team to their first-ever state championship in 2021. He earned All-State honors in his senior year after averaging 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
As Kentucky bolsters its roster for the upcoming season, Aberdeen’s experience and winning mentality will be crucial in helping the Wildcats continue their legacy of excellence on the court. Fans can look forward to seeing him make an immediate impact as Kentucky aims for another national title.
